The Prettiest Holiday Makeup For Witchy Girls

Jingle bell goth

It’s now December, which means our calendars are likely filled to the brim with holiday-related events of all sorts for the next few weeks. But just because we’ll be hopping from one festive dinner to another festive party, doesn’t mean we need to douse ourselves in glitter and rock a bright red lip. What about holiday makeup looks for those of us that lean slightly toward the darker side?

Witchy girls, rejoice. We’ve compiled six looks to help you achieve pretty—but definitely not typical—holiday makeup creations, so you can let your goth flag fly. Makeup artist Clara Rae tells us how to perfect our witchy vibes well throughout the holidays, and what typical, glitzy holiday makeup trends we can finally ditch.

Click through the gallery below for a little bit of mystery, a little bit of sultriness, and just the right amount of grunge for that soiree you'll inevitably have to attend.

Skip the classic red lipWhile a classic red lip is, well, classic, it’s definitely a bit overdone during the holidays. For all of the goth babes out there, Rae recommends opting for a deep, almost black shade of matte burgundy or dark plum lip color rather than a fire engine red.

Smudge that linerForget the clean, basic cat eye that everyone does for party makeup. This holiday season, Rae suggests rimming your eyes with liner for sultry, yet grungy and smudged, effect. A little goes a long way, so you can build on the intensity depending on the occasion.

Try a drop shadowThe cut crease tends to be the typical go-to for holiday makeup, but Rae suggests that witchy girls try something new: a drop shadow along your lower lash line, beneath the eyes—think of it as the creepy girl’s smoky eye. She used these shadows both wet and dry to enhance the overall effect.

Cozzette, Infinite Eyeshadow in ‘Passion,’ $11, available at Alcone Company; Cozzette, Infinite Eyeshadow in ‘Evolve,’ $11, available at Alcone Company.

Lara is wearing a DKNY coat and top and a Rebecca Taylor skirt.

Photo by Franey Miller

Replace clear gloss with a muted, brown lipstickWhile clear gloss may be the go-to for an understated look, a sheer brown lipstick that will “mute out your pout” is a much cooler alternative. Still understated, less basic.